HORTUS EYSTETTENSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Hortus Eystettensis, Latin for "Garden of Eichstätt," is an exceptional botanical book that served as one of the earliest comprehensive guides to plants and flowers. Compiled by botanist Basilius Besler in collaboration with pharmacist pharmacist Hermann Pagus, it was published in 1613 and consists of over 1,000 intricately detailed illustrations of various plant species.
The book takes the form of a large album, divided into five volumes, and showcases the diverse flora found in and around the gardens of Eichstätt, a town in Bavaria, Germany. Each intricate illustration is hand-colored and accompanied by descriptions and botanical names of the plants. It covers a wide range of plants, including flowers, trees, shrubs, fruits, and vegetables.
Hortus Eystettensis is not merely a compilation of botanical illustrations; it also provides valuable information on the cultivation, habitat, and medicinal uses of the featured plants. The book showcases a shift from purely medicinal plant-focused works to more encompassing botanical studies by including aesthetically pleasing flowers and ornamental plants.
Considered a landmark in the field of botanical illustration, the Hortus Eystettensis helped establish a standard for documenting and categorizing plants. Its influence extended beyond its time and was widely referenced by subsequent plant collectors, horticulturists, and botanists. Today, it remains highly regarded for its artistic beauty, scientific significance, and contribution to the understanding and appreciation of the plant world during the Renaissance period.
Etymology of HORTUS EYSTETTENSIS
The word "Hortus Eystettensis" originates from Latin.
"Hortus" means "garden" in Latin, derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*gher-", meaning "to enclose" or "to protect". It is related to the English words "horticulture" and "horticulture".
"Eystettensis" refers to "Eichstätt", a town in Bavaria, Germany. The word indicates that the garden is associated with or located in Eichstätt.
Taking the two parts together, "Hortus Eystettensis" can be translated as "Eichstätt Garden" or "Garden of Eichstätt", which refers to a famous botanical garden first published in the early 17th century.
